Australia’s first autonomous underwater combat vehicle, Ghost Shark, is set to become the focus the country’s maritime defence capability.
A prototype of the Navy’s Ghost Shark is now ready and the program has become “Mission Zero” for the Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator (ASCA).
Minister for Defence Industries Pat Conroy said only Defence’s highest priorities were select as ASCA missions and there must be an identified pathway for the innovation to transition to capability.
Ten Australian companies have partnered with Anduril Australia to manufacture Ghost Shark and another 42 Australian companies are in the supply chain.
Minister Conroy said Ghost Shark would provide the Navy with a stealthy, long-range autonomous undersea warfare capability that could conduct persistent intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and strike.
It will also enhance Navy’s ability to operate with allies and partners.
The Ghost Shark will form part of a $7.2 billion investment in the development of subsea warfare capabilities and new autonomous and uncrewed maritime vehicles.
“The Government is spending more than $10 billion on autonomous and uncrewed systems, including armed systems, as part of a comprehensive plan to provide the ADF with capabilities it needs to meet strategic circumstances,” Minister Conroy said.
Navy will also explore the potential for synergies between Navy’s XL-AUV program and future trilateral collaboration through AUKUS Advanced Capabilities.
